Last week, Apple released iPadOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3, along with other software updates to everyone.
Now, several users have reported that a bug has broken Universal Control and Handoff features in iPadOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3.
In macOS 12.3, Apple launched the Universal Control feature which allows users to control up to two other nearby iPad or Macs with a single keyboard, mouse, and trackpad so they can work seamlessly between devices.
Simply by turning on Universal Control on each device and placing them near each other, users can move the pointer, copy content, and type between them.
Handoff bug might have killed Universal Control on iPadOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3
According to complaints on the Apple support forum, Universal Control became functional after updating the devices to iPadOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3. The feature was working as normal on the previous OS version. An affectee @ wrote:
Hello. After updating my Macbook pro (14, M1Pro) and my 2022 iPad Air 5, universal control stopped working. Nothing helps, I turned off and on handoff, wi-fi, bluetooth, restarted both devices several times.
On my Macs preferences (monitors), there is only an option (when I hit “+”) to extend screen on iPad. No option for universal control.
Also I realised, that the sidecar option is only when my iPad is connected via USB to Mac. Wirelessly works nothing. Both devices are connected to same wi-fi.
Upon investigation, it was found that a Handoff bug might be the cause of broken Universal Control in the latest iPadOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3. @Iraqdad complained:
iOS 16.4 and Ventura 13.3 has killed my universal control for my iMac 27” and my iPad Pro which were both working seamlessly before up dating. Also my iMac now cannot unlock with Apple Watch 6. The iMac cannot connect (sync) with my watch. Thank you Apple. How can we fix this?
Handoff features on Apple devices, allow users to start their work on one device and pick it up on another. When enabled, Universal Clipboard can be used to copy and paste text, images, photos, and videos across devices and You can also copy files can also be copied between Mac computers.
How to fix broken Universal Control and Handoff bug in iPadOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3
Several affectees have suggested that broken Universal Control and Handoff bug in iPadOS 16.4 and macOS 13.3 can be fixed by:
- Disable the Continuity Handoff feature on all linked devices.
- Turn off linked devices
- Reboot or restart them
If you are facing this issue, try this fix and let us know whether it worked. Reportedly, Apple is working on iOS 16.4.1 and iPadOS 16.4.1 updates which might patch the Universal Control and Handoff bug.
